Who will pick up the pieces at the ATP 250 in Atlanta after top seed Ben Shelton went out last night? Perhaps it will be Frances Tiafoe, who is still looking for his first title of the year. Or can this finally be the time of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina? In any case, things won’t be easy for them with dangerous technicians like Juncheng Shang or Mattia Bellucci around. Who do you think will make the semifinals?
ATP Atlanta Quarterfinal Predictions
Jordan Thompson vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: 1-1
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina hasn’t had any real highlights this year so far and the Spaniard even chose to skip the Olympics to find his form back in the United States. So far it’s working, but Jordan Thompson will be his toughest test yet. The Australian shockingly beat him on clay a few years back with their matchup in faster conditions going the way of Davidovich Fokina. The 25-year-old needs to keep avoiding his showboating tendencies and play smart, offensive tennis. If he does, he should be able to handle Thompson.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Juncheng Shang vs Max Purcell
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ben Shelton must really hate Juncheng Shang’s guts by now with the Chinese beating him three times in United States hard court events. The Chinese youngster is very close to establishing himself as a regular main tour threat by now and this win would help. Max Purcell is recovering from a weak start to the year, but still isn’t beating top-quality opposition that often. Shang is way more creative and should be able to handle the slice of the Australian.
Prediction: Shang in 3
Arthur Rinderknech vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-head: First meeting
Things are looking much better for Mattia Bellucci now after his French Open and Wimbledon performances. In Atlanta, he was a bit lucky as Aleksandar Vukic struggled physically in their match and then took his chance over the out-of-form Adrian Mannarino. Bellucci isn’t far from figuring his game out and making a Top 100 push, but could it happen here? Maybe not as Arthur Rinderknech doesn’t seem like a good matchup for him. He’ll keep up on serve and hit big enough to put pressure on the ground game of the Italian.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 3-1
Frances Tiafoe really needs this run with his season so far being mediocre at best. The American has gone through some coaching changes lately as well and could use a boost to his confidence. Getting through a tricky opener against Aslan Karatsev should help and he’s been dominant in the Yoshihito Nishioka matchup ever since losing their first match back in 2016. The Japanese is not exactly at the peak of his powers either, so it’s a great chance for Tiafoe to keep going.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 2
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
